Sometimes, for no real reason that you can put your finger on, a song just naturally creates a scene in your mind. Listening to the latest single ‘Idle Stranger’ from this Birmingham band, for me conjures an image of someone breaking away in search of something more. Leaving their old life behind and leaping headfirst into the unknown, eager and anxious in equal measures. It’s the mark of a great song to make you feel something or tell a story in this way, even if the story is of your own making. This trio of siblings have paired bright cascading indie pop riffs with exemplary vocal harmonies to create a track that’s beautifully bittersweet. It weaves it’s way into your mind like the first light of dawn. Released 3rd March, it’s hard not to be moved by Miccoli’s melodious and soul-stirring new single.
top tracks
Top Tracks: Lorne – Bread Alone
“Man shall not live by bread alone”; the Biblical phrase that inspired the new track from the incredibly talented London-based singer/songwriter Lorne. The refined piano balladry and soaring strings make the perfect backdrop for Lorne’s pure, crystalline vocals. With ‘Bread Alone’ he shares a message of seizing the day and not letting your past hold you back. It’s a heartfelt plea to live your life to the full, to thrive and not merely survive, something which many of us need reminding of every now and then. It is a simple yet powerful song of self discovery, perfect for those introspective late night playlists. Taken from his upcoming debut EP Maze, it is the kind of track that resonates with you all day long.
Top Tracks: Haunt the Woods – Beautiful Catastrophe
It’s songs like this that sum up why Belwood Music, and music blogs in general, come to be. Because every so often you hear a piece of music so captivating that all you want to do is broadcast it to the world in the hope that it moves others the same way that it moved you. From it’s gentle folky beginnings, ‘Beautiful Catastrophe’ grows with effortless and graceful harmonies and soaring strings, before erupting into a passionate maelstrom of sweeping guitar solos and Jeff Buckley-esque vocals. There’s something so raw and honest surrounding what this Cornwall based quartet have created. With this track from their debut EP The Line, Haunt the Woods have jumped straight up to the top of my list of “ones to watch”.
Top Tracks: Salt Petal – Telephone
Any self-respecting music fan would love the chance to go back in time and experience Woodstock. If you did, the latest single from this multicultural, LA based collective certainly wouldn’t sound amiss. Taken from their upcoming album Rare Hearts, out 28th April, ‘Telephone’ carries subtle hints to Joan Baez and Joni Mitchell in the vocals. With it’s driving bass and sweet vintage riffs, as a whole the track is the perfect throwback to Jefferson Airplane at the height of their power. There is a lot here to like, and Salt Petal are clearly a band that wear their hearts on their sleeve. With hints of surf rock and psychedelica, and plenty of purpose and attitude, ‘Telephone’ is the perfect mission statement to sum up what the band is all about.
Top Tracks: Hajk – Best Friend
There’s very few times when I find myself lost for words, but this is one of those rare occasions. There is simply no recommendation I can give that will properly do this song justice. This stellar single from Oslo based band Hajk is about as close to perfect as indie pop gets. The piano melodies, the bright riffs, the uplifting harmonies all come together to bring joy from heartbreak, and portray the end of a friendship through rose-tinted glasses. With plenty of throwback 80s charm and a thoroughly addictive chorus, it’s a track that will follow you for a long time. I don’t know if lightning strikes twice, but if their upcoming eponymous debut has anything even half as good as ‘Best Friend’ then Hajk are definitely one to watch!
Top Tracks: Sol – Mystery
With it’s ethereal vocals, tribal rhythms and inescapable danceability, the debut single from the exciting, up-and-coming electropop star Sol is really something you need to experience firsthand. ‘Mystery’ instantly grabs your attention and refuses to let go, with a slick and stylish sound that is sure to be perfect for fans of Lapsley and Halsey. All that is before we even get around to mentioning the bizarre and thoroughly bewitching music video. Like some surreal and seductive ritual drawing you in deeper, it’s the perfect match for the song and is sure to be one of the year’s most memorable videos. With the music and visuals in perfect harmony, ‘Mystery’ will ensnare your senses and leave you in no hurry to escape.
Top Tracks: Embers – Signs
After a couple of years away and more than their fair share of bumps in the road, Manchester quartet Embers are back with a brand new single. I’m sure their loyal fans will agree it was well worth the wait. With a heady backdrop of synths, pierced by bright indie riffs, air-drum worthy percussion and hints of emotive bass tones, ‘Signs’ is the perfect anthem for fans of The Killers and Amber Run. Set to be released as a double A side with ‘Unbound’ on 13th March, it’s the war cry of a revitalised band set to break free and soar to new heights. I can see them now winning over new fans galore at gigs and festivals across the country. Embers have set the standard for indie rock in 2017 and it seems that this year is theirs for the taking.
Top Tracks: Calling Apollo – The Wars
From it’s atmospheric beginning to it’s bold, triumphant climax, the latest single from these Welsh alternative rockers really takes you on a journey. Taken from the band’s latest EP The Great Depression: Act 1, released last summer, their track ‘The Wars’ pulls off the perfect dramatic build and cathartic release. It’s the kind of powerful song that can move audiences regardless of scenes or genres, it’s something for all fans of meaningful music. The gorgeous melodies blend together with the interpretive dance of the new music video to produce a superb synergy of music and visuals. The Cardiff quintet will also be hitting the road for a few UK tour dates next month and are well worth checking out.
Top Tracks: Little Comets – Common Things
Indie rockers Little Comets are back with the latest single from their upcoming fourth album. ‘Common Things’ finds joy and wonder in the trivial and everyday, fusing funky, offbeat synthpop with glitchy indie riffs and a killer chorus. This cracking new track from these Newcastle lads is the perfect package for fans of Everything Everything, Yeasayer and Mystery Jets. Cool, quirky and eminently danceable, this latest offering is the hottest new indie hit around right now, and one hell of a way to kick off 2017. The new album WORHEAD is released 3rd February, with the band embarking on a UK tour shortly afterwards, and it should be something special if this first single is anything to go by.
Top Tracks: Bears Banquet – Fighting Mist In Light
The debut single from London based singer/songwriter Adam Baring, released under his moniker Bears Banquet, is a real feast for the senses. Shifting between quirky, off-kilter folk and slide guitar driven, wall-of-sound psychedelica, it’s a curious and unique offering. There are nods to everyone from classic Grateful Dead, to viral bluegrass sensation Steve’n’Seagulls, but the end result is a sound entirely his own. The world of Bears Banquet is certainly a bizarre one, but it’s also damn good fun. Released 10th February, it’s not quite clear what this first release will lead to in the future, but I for one am eager to see where this bewildering journey leads.
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